The 23rd edition of the VR/AR show Laval Virtual will be unique and hybrid.
Crédits photos : Laval Virtual 2021
From 7 to 9 July, the Laval Virtual professional days take place at Espace Mayenne in Laval (Mayenne, France). For the first time in its more than 20 years of existence, the VR/AR event will be held in both physical and virtual environments. What is the programme for this 23rd edition? What will happen in the virtual world of Laval Virtual World?
What is a hybrid event?
Physical, virtual, hybrid… In recent times, events have taken very different forms. Before the global pandemic, physical events were the norm. Visitors would gather at a given physical location. During the lockdowns, virtual events have emerged: 100% online gatherings, i.e. video conferencing, live video, in a virtual world, etc. For example, a webinar is a virtual event.
For some time now, organisers have been looking at the hybrid event solution. In this format, we find the excitement of a physical event, with the advantage of being able to increase its international reach with less carbon impact. An event therefore combines a face-to-face part with a remote part, with a similar, complementary or completely different programme.
Laval Virtual 2021: an unprecedented hybrid edition
Since 1999, the VR/AR exhibition Laval Virtual has been held in the city of Laval, in Mayenne. In 2020, the event was exceptionally held virtually, with more than 11,000 people from around the world registering. This year, for the first time, Laval Virtual combines virtual and physical. For this 23rd edition, the event will take place at the brand new Espace Mayenne (2 rue Josephine Baker, 53000 Laval) and in the virtual world of Laval Virtual World.
The physical programme: exhibitors, conferences, networking events
From 7 to 9 July, the Laval Virtual exhibition will be held at the Espace Mayenne in Laval (Mayenne, France). Europe’s largest VR/AR exhibition is back with an exhibition space and a hundred or so international exhibitors. Visitors will be able to meet the exhibitors, discuss with them and discover their new products. In the exhibition area, visitors will also be able to discover avant-garde projects and emerging start-ups in the ReVolution Pavilions.
In parallel, during the three days, 4 cycles of conferences are also held at Espace Mayenne: VRtical, TransVRsal, ConVRgence and Tech Talks. International speakers will share their expertise on VR/AR, covering many themes. A large programme of conferences is planned on the 7th and 8th all day, and on the morning of the 9th of July.
In the evening, several events are scheduled for the entire international VR/AR community to meet and exchange. On Wednesday 7 July, the traditional LV Party kicks off the event on the square in front of the Château-Neuf de Laval (Place de la Trémoille). It will be a moment of celebration and reunion, and the opportunity to meet the exhibitors and speakers. On Thursday evening, the Awards ceremony will reward 12 VR/AR projects. Don’t forget on Tuesday 6 July, just before the professional days, the Assises de l’Éthique: a day of conferences on the ethics of future technologies.
What will you find at Laval Virtual World?
A second part of the event will take place in the Laval Virtual World. The Laval Virtual World is a virtual world created in April 2020, with several spaces accessible to visitors who embody avatars. For the occasion, a free pass is available for visitors who simply want to attend the virtual event.
From 7 to 9 July, Laval Virtual World will offer :
- An exhibition area with virtual exhibitors: every day from 10:30 to 12:30 and from 16:00 to 18:00, a meeting with the exhibitors is organised.
- Professional conferences: the TransVRsal, ConVRgence and Tech Talks tracks will take place in the Laval Virtual World.
- Networking and meeting moments: networking break, treasure hunt and festive evenings are on the programme of the 3 virtual days.
